UNISON is balloting its members in a dispute over pay.
The union is planning targeted strike action – this means select groups of workers will be balloted.
UNISON is campaigning for a pay rise for ALL local government workers.
The groups that will be balloted for strike action are members employed working in schools, who provide services to the running and operation of the school, and all members working in early years and in waste and recycling services. The union is recommending that vote ‘YES’ in favour of strike action.
The ballot will run from 10 June and will close on 26 July. It is vital that all ballots are posted back in good time to ensure we receive them by the closing date.
Why are we balloting?
Having consistently worked above and beyond to keep our key services going over the past two years of the pandemic, and with the cost of living spiralling, COSLA’s offer of a 2 per cent pay increase for local government workers is nothing short of an insult.
While politicians have raced to praise your efforts their warm words have not been matched by action.
Earlier this year we ran an online consultation to see what you and other local government members thought of the employers’ 2022 pay offer. It was no surprise that the overwhelming majority of you voted to reject the offer and indicated your willingness to take action to achieve a better deal.
Nothing has changed since then and we now need you to vote YES to take strike action to remind your employers exactly how you feel.
This offer is derisory. It is less than the Scottish Public Sector Pay policy, falls far short of our pay claim and is significantly below current levels of inflation. It will exacerbate the gap between those on the lowest and those on the highest rates of pay. And it is in sharp contrast to the 5.2% increase that councillors themselves have just received from 1st April 2022.
You are worth so much more.
Your vote is vital. The employers aren’t going to rethink unless we stand firm together. Vote YES to strike action to remind your employers that you deserve better.
What do I do now? Make your vote count!
Don’t forget to post your ballot paper back in good time so we receive it before the ballot closes at 10am on 26 July. If you need a replacement ballot paper please call our helpline on 0800 0 857857. The helpline will be open from 8am on 15 June until 12 noon on 20 July.
Do you know where your nearest post box is?
Find it on this fantastic Post Office website 🙂
Not a member yet?
UNISON is leading the fight to get you a decent pay rise. If you have colleagues who are not already members of UNISON please encourage them to join us at joinunison.org or call 0800 171 2194.
More information on the local government pay offer
- You can read COSLA’s full offer letter here.
- You can read a full copy of the pay claim submitted by the joint trade unions: here.
- You can read the trade unions letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Finance Secretary Kate Forbes here.
